A MUM, her unborn child and nine-year-old son were killed when they were hit by a car as they crossed a Birmingham road.

The woman, believed to be six months pregnant, was carried for 50 metres under the Nissan Micra in the accident in Hay Mills.

She died at the scene while the nine-year-old boy lost his fight for life in hospital four hours later.

The woman's youngest son, aged seven, was with them and was also struck by the car. He was today recovering in hospital suffering from minor injuries and severe shock.

Police, who described the incident as a "terrible tragedy" have not yet formally named the victims. But the mum was believed to be Sarah-Jayne Hunt, aged 28. She was under-stood to have been divorced from the boys' father, Scott Hunt, who lives nearby.

Flowers placed at the scene today paid tribute to Sarah-Jayne and son Kieran.

One said: "Our hearts are with you both, you will be greatly missed by all of us. No words can describe the pain and hurting. Love you both, Goodnight and God Bless, Lots of Love, from Toni, Simon, Ellie and families."

They were placed by a tearful woman who said: "I have known her for a while, she was a lovely person and a fantastic mother."

Police were today questioning a 19-year-old man on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving following the tragedy.

It happened on the A45 Coventry Road at its junction with Ada Road last night.

Stunned witnesses tried to give first aid to the victims and claimed the car passed through red traffic lights before hitting the mother and her children.

They claimed the "death trap" road was plagued by boy racers travelling well above the 40mph speed limit.

Police were today trying to establish whether the family were using a pelican crossing at the time of the collision.

One woman, who lives in Coventry Road but did not want to be named, said she knew the victim and her children. She said: "It was horrific. I raced over to them but it was obvious the woman was dead.

"I sat with the eldest boy and willed him to stay alive. He was unconscious.

"Their dad is divorced from the mum, who was six months pregnant. He had picked them up from school and handed them over to her to look after them. They were crossing the road when the car drove straight through a nearby red light and ploughed into them."

Rafiqul Alam, owner of nearby Mini Market Newsagents, in Coventry Road, said the boys' father was disabled and a regular customer. He is well-known for getting around in his mobility scooter.

He called for speed limits on the road to be slashed from 40mph to 20mph, labelling it a "accident hotspot and death trap".

"The road is notorious for boy racers who drive up and down at speeds of up to 80mph," he claimed.

Vikas Ahmed Ditta, aged 16, of Banks Road, Small Heath, said he was on his way to work at Big Eat takeaway, in Coventry Road, when he witnessed the aftermath of the accident, which happened at 6.20pm.

"I have been told the woman was dragged for at least 50 metres under the car. Paramedics were giving mouth-to-mouth and pushing the chest of the little boy. He looked lifeless. It was just awful."

Motorists faced delays as police closed off several streets, including Redhill Road, Brickfield Road, Ada Road, and the Coventry Road from the junctions of Holder Road and King's Road.

A West Midlands Police spokesman said: "Reports that the woman and her two sons were using a pelican crossing at the time of the collision form a significant part of our inquiry.

"We want to hear from anyone who can help us establish the facts surrounding this tragic incident."

West Midlands Police urged witnesses to ring police at Belgrave Road on 0845 113 5000. They said the 19-year-old local man remained in police custody and was helping with inquiries.